Misery ceases to exist when we stop reacting to sensations.

Since all things are empty of inherent existence, anything is possible. If things had inherent existence, nothing would be possible.

The dharma is not outside of you. Looking for it elsewhere is like placing a Buddha on your head while searching for him everywhere else.

There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind.

The highest truth cannot be taught except through the conventional truth.

The past is for learning from, not for living in.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

Every moment of mindfulness is a step on the path to liberation. Each step is valuable, no matter how small.

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

Although all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, they function perfectly well.

The root of all suffering is ignorance. The antidote to ignorance is wisdom that realizes emptiness.

When we understand others, we understand ourselves. When we love others, we love ourselves.

The practice of mindfulness is simple: whatever you experience, you observe and note it.

Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don't try to figure anything out. Don't try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.

If I had any position, I would thereby have a flaw. But since I have no position, I alone am without flaw.

True happiness is not found through the multiplication of desires but through their simplification.

Past thoughts are traceless, clear, and empty. Future thoughts are unborn and fresh. The present moment abides naturally and unconstructed.

Metta (loving-kindness) becomes truly effective only when it arises from a peaceful mind, a pure mind, a balanced mind.

Live in joy, in love, even among those who hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still.

Those who grasp at things as truly existent are like someone trying to catch the reflection of the moon in water.

Everybody has the light of Buddha within, but they don't look for it.

Observe the reality as it is, not as you wish it to be.

The nature of the mind is like the sky, and our thoughts, emotions, and experiences are like clouds passing through it.

When thoughts arise, recognize them as the display of your own awareness, like recognizing your own children in a crowd.

The key to the Buddha's teaching is not grasping, not trying to hold onto things that are essentially impermanent and unstable.

If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.

Wisdom and compassion must be developed equally and harmoniously.

Mindfulness is being aware of what's going on, not trying to control what's going on.

The secret of happiness is to want what you already have.

Mindfulness is attention to life, and life itself is sacred.

A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.

In meditation, we are continuously discovering who and what we are.

When you practice zazen you should not try to attain anything. You should just sit in the complete calmness of your mind and not rely on anything.